Stay Ready with Christina Torres

Hosted by Christina Torres of Run and Tell That

Business Entrepreneurship

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Jan 2026

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About the show

This is Stay Ready, the show for business owners ready to own their big deal energy through messaging, strategy, and systems. I'm your Chief Creative Officer Christina Torres and each week, I'm bringing you the real on what it takes to create Ride Or Buy Fans.

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53 recent

January 8, 202626 min

CTFAR UP! The Self-Coaching Framework That Changed EVERYTHING

The CTFAR model explained—plus how to use AI to coach yourself through career challenges when you can't afford (or don't have time for) a real coach.After dealing with a lot of struggle at work this week, I've been leaning HARD on the self-coaching model to get myself out of funks and take action even when I'm feeling stuck. And I realized: most EAs don't know about this framework, even though it's a total game-changer for career goals, money conversations, and boundary-setting.In this episode, I'm breaking down:What CTFAR (Circumstances, Thoughts, Feelings, Actions, Results) actually is and why it worksThe chain reaction happening in your brain that keeps you stuck—and where you have power to change itWhy your thoughts are creating your results (and how to change the thoughts that aren't serving you)Real examples: asking for a raise, managing up with vague feedback, setting boundaries with familyHow to run the model on yourself in under 5 minutes (yes, really—you can do this on the subway)Using AI (Claude or ChatGPT) as your free 24/7 coach to work through CTFAR fasterThe 3 biggest mistakes people make with this framework and how to avoid themThe truth bomb: You keep telling yourself "if I ask for a raise, they'll think I'm greedy" and then you don't ask. The result? You don't get a raise. Your thought literally created your result. But once you see the pattern clearly, you can change the thought—which changes your actions—which changes your results.This is for you if:You've talked yourself out of asking for a raise or promotionYou know you need to set a boundary but you just... don'tYou feel stuck between knowing what you want and actually doing itYou can't afford a coach right now but you need strategic supportYou keep spinning your wheels trying to "figure things out" aloneWhat you'll learn:The exact 6-step process for running CTFAR on any goal or stuck situationHow to identify your "unintentional model" (what's happening now) vs. your "intentional model" (what you want to create)Why "I have no idea what she wants" creates confusion and avoidance—and what thought to try insteadThe difference between a circumstance (neutral fact) and a thought (your interpretation)How to choose a "bridge thought" when jumping from "I'm terrible at this" to "I'm the best" feels fakeMy exact AI prompt for self-coaching when I need help at 2am or on my commuteWhy you should NOT use Co-Pilot or company software for self-coaching (they audit everything)Episode Length: ~26 minutes of framework breakdown + real examplesVibe: Practical self-coaching tutorial meets real-life applicationWarning: Contains honest talk about feeling sad and depressed on the train, using AI to process feelings before work, and why I don't want you self-coaching with Co-PilotMentioned in this episode: Why I use Claude over ChatGPT for self-coaching, the "shmedium thought" concept (like shmedium goals but for beliefs), how to create AI projects for different areas of your life, and why awareness alone won't change your results—you have to actually DO something differentStop staying stuck. CTFAR is the framework that shows you exactly where your thoughts are creating your results—and how to change them.Need more structured support?→ Get Interview Ready Playbook ($47) - Includes frameworks for reframing limiting thoughts during interview prep→ Book an EA Power Hour ($249) - We'll run CTFAR on your specific career challenge together and build your intentional model→ Join the EA Career Accelerator waitlist ($997) - 8 weeks of coaching that includes thought work, negotiation frameworks, and strategic career planningGet on the email list for Torres Tuesdays where I drop weekly gems about navigating corporate life: runandtellthat.co

December 31, 202512 min

Stop dreaming too small (but not too BIG friend) #SHMEDIUM

Why you need to stop dreaming "large" and start dreaming MEDIUM because right now, you're dreaming dangerously.After years of playing financial autopilot and letting myself get exploited (yes, I said it), I finally did the math. And I'm calling you out to do the same.In this episode, I'm breaking down:Why "I want to be a millionaire" is actually setting you up for failure (and what to aim for instead)The real cost of ignoring what you ACTUALLY need to live comfortably (spoiler: it's way more than you think)How I calculated that I need $300K/year to live the life I want—and why that's MORE realistic than $1MWhy New York takes 44-50% of my income in taxes (and why you need to factor this into YOUR salary goals)The hobbies I can't afford right now because I'm too busy "face planting" after work (Netflix doesn't count as self-care, sis)How ignoring my ADHD has cost me MILLIONS in lost opportunity (not just wasted money)Why asking for $25K-$50K more isn't obscene—what you're doing RIGHT NOW is obsceneThe "proof stacking" method from copywriting that you need to use on YOURSELFWhy you deserve dance classes, massages, and joy WITHOUT working yourself into the ground firstThe truth bomb: You're not just underpaid. You're exploiting yourself. And I'm talking to ME too.If you can't pay your bills with ONE paycheck, but you're telling yourself "it would be nice" to take a dance class or get a massage? You're dreaming too small.This is for you if:You're living paycheck to paycheck despite managing a gajillionaire's calendarYou think asking for $25K more is "too much" (it's not)You have no hobbies because "working" and "face planting" are your only activitiesYou're scared to get realistic about what you actually WANT out of lifeYou're applying to jobs making the same (or less) than what you make nowYou've been told you're "lucky to have a job" so many times you believe itEpisode Length: ~13 minutes of unfiltered truthVibe: Car confessional meets tough love financial reality checkWarning: Contains justified rage about self-exploitation and several well-placed f-bombsMentioned in this episode: Two-parent household income goals, New York tax rates, ADHD business coaching, proof stacking, and why wanting to live alone forever is actually very reasonableWrite down your essentials: Rent, utilities, groceries, tampons, lunch at work—EVERYTHINGAdd up the cost: What do you ACTUALLY spend per month?Dream medium: What 3 reasonable things do you want to do regularly? (Dance class? Massage? Fun stuff with your kid?) Write down the cost.Do the math: Essentials + joy activities + taxes = What you ACTUALLY need to makeReality check: You probably need $25K-$100K more than what you're making right now. And that's OKAY.The real CTA: Stop playing in your face. Stop letting companies exploit you. Get clear on what you need, what you deserve, and what you're going after.Ready to get clear on YOUR number and figure out how to position yourself to GET IT?Book an EA Power Hour. We'll spend 60-90 minutes getting brutally honest about:What you actually need to make (not what you "think" is reasonable)How to position your experience so companies see you're worth itThe exact salary range you should be targetingHow to negotiate without backing downBecause I don't want to have fun by myself, y'all. We need besties who are on the same path. Let's get you paid.Book your EA Power HourP.S. If you're thinking "but I don't deserve $25K more"—that's exactly why you need this call. We're fixing that in the first 10 minutes.

December 24, 202520 min

Why your EA work is worth way more than you think (and how to prove it)

The invisible labor tax: Why your EA work is worth way more than you think (and how to prove it)Good ol' car confessional on why executive assistant work is undervalued, how to track your invisible labor, and the exact system I use to document my wins so I never undersell myself again.After supporting C-suite execs and managing million-dollar operations, I've cracked the code on something that's been eating at me: Why do we treat EA work like it's less valuable when we're literally performance enhancers for entire leadership teams?In this episode, I'm breaking down:Why EA work is invisible labor—and how that shows up in predominantly female-saturated roles (teachers, caregivers, administrative professionals)The motherhood parallel: How I'd be making $150K if my caregiving work was actually compensatedWhat you're really doing when you "just" order someone lunch (spoiler: you're removing friction so they can close deals and focus on high-impact work)Why you're basically a junior Chief of Staff but getting paid like an assistantThe exact calendar system I use to track my wins hour-by-hour—no journaling requiredHow to use Copilot (if you're on Outlook) or Google Suite to turn your calendar into living proof of your impactWhy you need to collect micro-praise like testimonials (yes, put it on your calendar when someone thanks you)How tracking my caregiving skills (navigating healthcare for my son and grandmother) helped me land my role at CPCThe real reason you feel like your work doesn't matter: You're so good at problem-solving that you've stopped documenting itThe truth bomb: You're not "just" planning parties or booking travel—you're optimizing operations, boosting team morale, and freeing up mental space so leadership can perform at their highest level. That's worth $150K–$300K, not $85K.This is for you if:You've ever felt like your EA work is "less than" because it comes naturally to youYou're doing Chief of Staff work but getting paid admin assistant moneyYou struggle to articulate your value because you don't track your winsYou've been told you're "just the help" or treated like party planning is all you doYou're working weekends and late nights but can't pinpoint why (hint: process issues, not you)Episode Length: ~18 minutes of unfiltered strategyVibe: Car confessional meets career coaching sessionWarning: Contains justified frustration about undervalued labor and a few well-placed f-bombsMentioned in this episode: Calendar tracking systems, Copilot vs. ChatGPT/Claude for productivity, collecting micro-praise, navigating healthcare systems as a caregiver, and why transferable skills matter more than you thinkReady to stop underselling yourself? Get on the waitlist for the EA Accelerator Program or book an EA Power Hour call—let's turn your invisible labor into undeniable leverage.

December 18, 202520 min

December: Your Secret Weapon for Landing a $130K+ EA Role

The strategic timing no one tells you about—recorded live from my car during my commute because this couldn't wait.I'm breaking down exactly why December through early January is THE time to be applying, networking, and positioning yourself for those $120K-$145K roles that open up when budgets reset.In this episode, I'm getting tactical about:Why you need to be applying RIGHT NOW even if you're not "ready"—budgets reset in January and hiring managers are already planningHow I took a recruiter call completely unprepared and still landed on the shortlist (and what I'd do differently next time)The exact questions recruiters are REALLY asking when they ask about your experience (hint: it's not about your resume)Why talking to recruiters now is practice for negotiating your worth—even if you bomb the first few callsHow to reconnect with your network during the holidays without being cringe or salesyWhat "I'll know it when I see it" actually means when evaluating job opportunities (and why that's okay)The truth bomb: You don't need a perfect resume or a rehearsed script. You need confidence, clarity on your minimum salary, and the ability to articulate your value like a human being—not a robot reading talking points.This is for you if:You're underpaid and miserable but haven't started looking because "it's not the right time"You're terrified of recruiter calls because you don't know what to sayYou think December is too late to apply (it's actually the PERFECT time)You're waiting to be "more prepared" before you start networking (spoiler: you'll never feel ready)What you'll learn:How to reconnect with recruiters and your network during the holidaysWhy company size doesn't matter as much as you think it doesThe non-negotiables you need to figure out BEFORE you start interviewingHow to practice talking about your worth with real humans (not just in your head)Why "open to opportunities" on LinkedIn + targeted applications = recruiter gold right nowEpisode Length: ~18 minutes of unfiltered strategyVibe: Real talk from someone actively job hunting while employedWarning: Contains honest talk about bombing interview questions, why I'm bleeding out in my current role, and your new mantra phrase "I got my bachelor's and my personality and that gets me a long way"Ready to stop waiting and start applying? Get on the waitlist for EA Career Accelerator and join Torres Tuesdays for weekly gems on navigating this corporate landscape. Book an EA Power Hour if you need help NOW—whether it's prepping for recruiter calls, auditing your resume, or figuring out your salary floor before you start interviewing. Don't go into January unprepared.

December 15, 202516 min

Why I'm Done Pretending EA Work Isn't Worth Six Figures

The unfiltered origin story of The Executive Effect—recorded in my car because epiphanies don't wait for recording studios.After 10+ years killing it as an EA at Blackstone, Morgan Stanley, TD Securities, and now managing a $1.24M event portfolio, I had a breakdown that turned into a breakthrough: Why the hell was I treating my most valuable skill like a backup plan?In this episode, I'm getting raw about:Why I spent a year trying to "level up" out of EA work—only to realize I downgraded myself into doing 3x the work for 40% less payThe internalized shame around being "just an assistant" (spoiler: that's bullshit and I'm calling it out)How I kept giving away million-dollar systems for free at work while struggling to pay rentThe exact moment I realized executive support isn't my fallback—it's my superpowerWhy companies will pay you $145K+ to support a C-suite exec but think $85K is "generous" for managing their entire marketing and events strategyThe truth bomb: Being an EA came so naturally to me that I dismissed it as "easy"—meanwhile, I was building expense management systems with Excel macros, creating 90-day onboarding guides, and training every new hire because no one else could systemize like I could.I was literally doing consultant-level work for an employee-level title. And I'm done with that.This is for you if:You've ever felt embarrassed calling yourself an EA despite running million-dollar operationsYou're working yourself to death in a "bigger" role that pays less than your EA job didYou keep getting promoted into more work without the compensation to matchYou've been told you're "overqualified" or need more "leadership experience" (translation: they want to underpay you)Episode Length: ~15 minutes of uncut, unfiltered truthVibe: Car confessional meets business strategy sessionWarning: Contains justified rage about corporate nonsense and several well-placed f-bombsMentioned in this episode: Morgan Stanley's EA support groups, the $75K profit year that almost broke me, and why my ADHD brain is actually my competitive advantage in executive support

October 16, 202437 min

RTT - 122 Guess What? You May Need a Job! (Here's How 2 Get 1 & Keep Your Biz Going)

In this candid episode, Christina Torres addresses the reality many entrepreneurs face: the need to return to full-time or part-time employment while maintaining their businesses. Whether you're considering this move due to the economy playing in your face or personal circumstances, this episode offers all the mindset shifts, pros, cons, and things to consider when balancing employment and entrepreneurship. Key Points: The normalcy and benefits of combining employment with business ownership Christina's personal journey of balancing jobs and business Understanding your needs: time, stability, or decision-making capacity Strategies for finding the right job to complement your business The importance of setting non-negotiables in your job search How employment can actually benefit your business growth In this episode, you'll learn: How to approach job hunting as a business owner Ways to leverage your entrepreneurial skills in employment Strategies for managing time between a job and your business Tips for delegating and building a team to support your business The importance of self-trust and adaptability in your career journey Links Mentioned In The Episode: Stay Ready Course Bundle Waitlist is HERE Wanna make a plan for building a profit and profession plan that works for YOU? Book a Happy Copy Hour Sesh Want to stay launch-ready without copy & paste tactics, templates, or stranger-danger delegation anxiety? Join the FREE Launch Rate Club email series.

October 8, 202419 min

RTT 121: How to Hate Marketing A LOT Less!

Lets get into classic marketing icks and turn them into inspo on how to approach it more effectively (and ethically). Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or service provider, this episode will help you understand the true essence of marketing and how to use it for good! Key Points: Understanding what marketing really is (and isn't) The reasons behind the negative perception of marketing How industries have misused marketing, leading to distrust The importance of discernment in consuming marketing content The power of truth and authenticity in marketing In this episode, you'll learn: How to reframe your perspective on marketing The difference between marketing, advertising, and content creation Ways to use marketing ethically and effectively Strategies for building trust with your audience through honest marketing Tips for aligning your marketing with your values and your truth Links Mentioned In The Episode: Stay Ready Course Bundle Waitlist is HERE Wanna make a plan for building a profit and profession plan that works for YOU? Book a Happy Copy Hour Sesh Want to stay launch-ready without copy & paste tactics, templates, or stranger-danger delegation anxiety? Join the FREE Launch Rate Club email series.

October 2, 202424 min

RTT - 120 Ride or Buy Wheel: The Only Copy Formula U Need

We’re breaking down the coveted Ride or Buy framework, a powerful tool for articulating value and addressing money objections in your marketing and sales copy. Whether you're a service provider, coach, or product-based business owner, this episode will help you understand how to effectively communicate your worth and overcome pricing hurdles. Key Points: Understanding the root of money objections: trust and value The problem with the "charge your worth" mentality Breaking down the who, what, and why of your offer Addressing & shutting down common money objections Strategies for creating compelling offers and bonuses The importance of finding the right market for your offer In this episode, you'll learn: How to use the Ride or Buy Wheel to articulate your products value Techniques for building trust and value in your copy Ways to create natural urgency without using manipulative tactics Strategies for crafting irresistible offers and bonuses Tips for identifying and reaching the right audience for your products or services Links Mentioned In The Episode: Happy Copy Hour (Live copy coaching for Launch Ready Club members) Stay Ready Course Bundle Waitlist is HERE (link ready Sun) Want to stay launch-ready without copy & paste tactics, templates, or stranger-danger delegation anxiety? Join the FREE Launch Rate Club email series.

September 25, 202421 min

RTT: 119 BFCM Prep 4 Success - Web & Landing Pages

Christina Torres concludes her Black Friday Cyber Monday (BFCM) preparation series with a crucial focus on website optimization. Learn how to ensure your website is primed for success during the busiest shopping season of the year, from homepage to checkout. In this episode, you'll learn: The importance of regular website audits and optimization How to improve user experience and navigation on your site Strategies for optimizing your homepage, About page, and product pages The value of user testing and analytics tools like Hotjar and Google Analytics How to apply the "so what" test to your website copy for maximum impact Resource Links: HotJar Analytics - Start Your Free Subscription - Record Sessions / See How People Use Your Website Everyday UserTesting.Com - Start Your Free Trial - Get Real Life Humans To Text Your User Experience quickly and affordably :) Need help with your BFCM strategy & copy? Learn more about working with Run & Tell That. Want to stay launch-ready with weekly tips and strategies? Join the FREE Launch Rate Club email series.

September 18, 202419 min

RTT: 118 BFCM Prep 4 Success - Flows & Sequences

Christina Torres continues her Black Friday Cyber Monday (BFCM) preparation series with a deep dive into cleaning up your email flows and sequences. Learn how to optimize your automated emails for maximum impact during the busiest shopping season of the year. And be sure to subscribe so you know exactly when part 3 hits the airwaves! In this episode, you'll learn: Why cleaning up your email flows is crucial for BFCM success How to ensure your messaging is relevant and timely Tips for updating links and offers in your email sequences The importance of A/B testing different offers and journeys Strategies for optimizing subject lines and preview text Key flows to focus on, including welcome sequences, browse abandonment, and post-purchase Need help with your BFCM strategy & copy? Learn more about working with Run & Tell That. Want to stay launch-ready with weekly tips and strategies? Join the FREE Launch Rate Club email series.